Police raid in Bangkok uncovers 100 million baht in fake drugs
Police officers, including Police Major General Noppasilp Poonsawat, yesterday conducted a raid on three houses in Bangkok. The properties had been rented by Chinese nationals to store unregistered drugs and counterfeit medicines, valued over 100 million baht (US$2.97 million). Officials warned of significant dangers if these products entered the market.
The raid took place yesterday, February 19 at 2pm, at house number 75, Soi Pracharat Bamphen 17, Lane 8, Samsen Nok, Huai Khwang district. The police, accompanied by Doctor Witit Saruedwwchaisakul, a Deputy Secretary General of the Food and Drug Administration (FDA), discovered large quantities of unregistered Viagra and electronic cigarettes.
The operation was led by a team including Police Major General Chotiwat Lueangwilai and Police Major General Jedsada Suaysom, following orders from Police Lieutenant General Siam Boonsom to eradicate illegal activities in the area.
During the search, the police found that two additional houses in the same lane were being used similarly. Chinese workers were tasked with managing these makeshift warehouses. The police seized all goods for further examination.
Pol. Maj. Gen. Noppasilp urged residents with information on illegal activities to contact the police hotline 191, available 24/7.
The Metropolitan Police aims to gather data to investigate foreign networks involved in illegal activities within Thailand, focusing on entertainment venues, warehouses, and businesses potentially linked to transnational crime.
Residents were encouraged to alert the police if they observed suspicious foreign nationals renting properties or setting up businesses.
The investigation revealed the Chinese suspects had entered Thailand two weeks prior on student visas. The illegal warehouse was not registered as a legal entity, and the actual owner is believed to be residing in China. Coordination with the Chinese embassy is underway to proceed legally and identify further accomplices.
Doctor Witit stated the seized items included counterfeit drugs, unregistered herbal remedies, and illegal cosmetics, none of which were authorised for sale. The release of these items into the market could pose serious risks to consumers, reported KhaoSod.
Meanwhile, Trichada Sritada, the health ministry spokesperson, examined some counterfeit sexual enhancement drugs. The packaging differed from authentic products, with vertical rather than horizontal text, marking them as potentially dangerous imitations.
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